LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan House of Representatives on Thursday voted to approve legislation sponsored by Sen. John Damoose to strengthen Mackinac Island’s authority to regulate fees related to ferry service.
“This legislation is critically important to the region and to the countless businesses in the surrounding communities — we had to get this done,” said Damoose, R-Harbor Springs. “Mackinac Island is one of Michigan’s premier tourism destinations, and a lack of action would be terrible for the Northern Michigan tourism industry and for the state as a whole.”
Senate Bill 304 would allow the city of Mackinac Island to regulate all aspects of ferry service, including additional fees charged for services like parking, priority boarding and baggage.
The bill received the needed two-thirds support from both the Senate and the House, and if signed by the governor, the proposal would be placed on the ballot during the next local election. In order to take effect, it also must be approved by a majority of Mackinac Island voters.
“Make no mistake, our entire region suffers if it becomes too expensive for families to travel to the island,” Damoose said. “If we allow prices to rise unchecked, families will simply go somewhere else in the state or not come to Northern Michigan or the Eastern Upper Peninsula at all, which would hurt communities well beyond just Mackinac Island.”
Damoose said it is critical to strengthen the island’s right to regulate ferry prices, which have risen dramatically over the last year and are pricing families out of being able to experience the island and a significant piece of Michigan history.
“With approval from the Legislature, we need the governor to quickly sign the bill and ensure the residents and businesses of the island have a voice on an issue that so drastically affects their livelihoods,” Damoose said.
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